Scout Day Thailand 2009.

Earlier this month we had Scout Day at our school. Here a shrine or memorial is set up for the morning ceremony.

Scouting was introduced to Thailand on July 1st, 1911 by King Rama VI, who is known as the father of scouting.

On guard were our student soldiers, they are part time soldiers for three years and this then exempts them from national duty.

These are soon to be soldiers, in the waiting. When they pass the necessary tests they will be issued their greens.

Scouts is a little unique here in Thailand as it is part of the school curriculum. All across Thailand all schools have scouts once a week.

So these teachers have been scouting since they were 5 or 6 years old.

A senior teacher paid respect to Thailand’s scout founder.

It was a perfect day for the ceremony, hardly a cloud in the sky.

This is obviously a scout salute of some kind. I have never been involved in scouts and have no idea about it.

Our Brother or Director then came out to begin the ceremony. He was given a salute, much like they weirdoes from the navy used to. In the army you salute properly. I don’t know if he is the highest ranking scout, or he does the ceremony because he is the boss.

The Director then stood at the lectern and saluted the teachers and students, who returned the salute.

The Brother then lays a flower garland at the base of the memorial.

Brother then lights a candle and an incense stick.


Next 3 very high and respectful ‘wais’ or a Thai greeting is done, while all watch on.


Then it was time for some reflection, a minute of silence to pay respect.

The ceremony wasn’t near finished but I had to leave, I had plenty of work to do. Way back near the office and well away from seeing any of the ceremony were these small scouts.

These students still have another 10 years of scouting to go, they look pretty happy though.

The uniform for year 1 to 3 students are white shirts and blue shirts. For years 4 to year 12 it is green for the girls and khaki for the boys.

And if you are interested some extra information.

Thailand’s scout motto is:

เสียชีพอย่าเสียสัตย์ Better to die than to lie.

Scout promise: On my honour I promise that I will be loyal to the Nation, the Religion and the King; help other people at all times; and obey the Scout Law.

Scout laws: A Scout's honour is to be trusted.A Scout is loyal to his Nation, his Religion, and his King and is faithful to his benefactors.A Scout's duty is to be useful and to help others.A Scout is a friend to all, and a brother to every other Scout in the world.A Scout is courteous.A Scout is kind to animals.A Scout respectfully obeys the orders of his parents and his superiors.A Scout is very cheerful and is not afraid of troubles.A Scout is thrifty.A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed.